Teamwork-Magazine

CLAAS launches a new generation of AXION 900 large tractors

The CLAAS AXION 900 series of large tractors for contractors and big farms was first launched in 2011 and quickly established itself on the market.

It is particularly appreciated for its enormous tractive power, perfectly matched engine and transmission, exceptional ease of operation and high fuel efficiency. CLAAS now presents the new generation of the AXION 900 series, which has undergone systematic refinement and offers many new features. These include more powerful engines with a low-speed concept, optimised CMATIC transmission control, the new CEBIS terminal with touch display and CMOTION multifunction control lever, as well as the new CIS+ equipment option with multifunction armrest.

Powerful engines and a new top model delivering up to 445 hp

All new AXION 900 models have the proven and highly and sophisticated 6-cylinder FPT Cursor 9 engine with 8.7 litre cubic capacity. This engine meets all the requirements of the Stage IV (Tier 4) emissions standard. It also has a new, variable geometry turbo as standard equipment, delivering optimum charge-air pressure according to the current load and engine speed. As a result, 70% of maximum torque is available even when idling. The maximum output of these models (AXION 920 – 960) has been increased and now ranges from 325 to 445 hp (in accordance with ECE R 120). As usual, the new AXION 900 tractors transfer their full power from a standing start and at all forward speeds without a boost.

More torque at lower speeds

Thanks to the advanced low-speed concept, the AXION 900 engine develops 18% more torque than previously at a lower speed (up to 200 rpm lower). This reduces fuel consumption and guarantees optimum driving performance for all field and transport applications. Further fuel savings of approximately 2 litres per hour are achieved by automatically reducing the idling speed from 800 to 650 rpm when stationary. In ECO PTO mode, up to 95% of the maximum engine output is transferred to the PTO shaft despite the reduced engine speed, allowing heavy implements to be operated at a lower engine speed.

All models in the new AXION 900 series are equipped as standard with the updated, continuously variable ZF Terramatic transmission which has proved itself in the AXION 800. It has been adapted to the higher output of these tractors and features outstanding stability and power transmission with a high mechanical component, providing optimum efficiency in all speed ranges from 0.05 to 50 km/h. The continuously variable CLAAS CMATIC transmission control system uses a new generation of software which incorporates many customer requirements identified under real-world conditions and further refines engine-transmission coordination. For example, cruise control can be deactivated with the accelerator pedal and the transmission adjusts more rapidly to the job in hand as the driver can switch between two saved engine droop values simply by pressing a button.

Two versions available for the first time

For the first time, the new AXION 900 is now available in two versions – CIS+ and CEBIS.

Like the CEBIS (CLAAS electronic on-board information system), the CIS+ (CLAAS Information System) option boasts exceptional ease of use and, in comparison with the CEBIS, offers a high level of convenience with less complexity. CIS+ features include the 7-inch CIS colour display in the A-pillar and the proven multifunction armrest with ELECTROPILOT four-way control lever and DRIVESTICK control lever to operate the CMATIC transmission.

The CEBIS option has the new CEBIS terminal with a 12-inch touch display and the proven ergonomic armrest with CMOTION multifunction control lever for convenient operation of all the main functions using the thumb and first two fingers. The new CEBIS offers many new functions for very fast and straightforward operation. Its intuitive operating structure is based on the familiar CEBIS generation and has been further optimised for touch display use. One particularly convenient feature is the quick-adjustment facility for frequently-used tractor functions using DIRECT ACCESS, simply by tapping the machine silhouette on the CEBIS touch display.

The precise CLAAS GPS steering systems are available ex factory for the CIS+ and CEBIS option in all configuration levels. The CLAAS TELEMATICS telemetry solution is part of the standard equipment package on all AXION 900 tractors.

Hydraulics with added convenience

All AXION 900 tractors have load-sensing hydraulics with an output of 150 or 220 l/min and release levers for all hydraulic couplings at the rear. Up to six spool valves are available in the CIS+ version and up to eight in the CEBIS version. In both versions, they are operated electronically by means of rocker switches in the armrest and the ELECTROPILOT four-way control lever. In addition, the function buttons on the armrest and multifunction control lever can be configured for any of the spool valves. This reduces the driver’s workload, especially during combined operations, as there is less need to change hand position.

Spool valve prioritisation for constant oil volumes

In the CEBIS version the driver can assign priority to any spool valve. The pre-set oil volume for the prioritised spool valve then remains almost constant even when other spool valves are in use. This prioritisation option is useful, for example, with continuously operating equipment such as hydraulic motors or pneumatic precision seed drills which need a constant oil flow during operation. An opening and closing ramp for each spool valve can also be defined in the new CEBIS terminal. The driver can therefore specify how quickly a spool valve should deliver the maximum pre-set oil flow after activation. This allows hydraulic motors or smaller hydraulic rams, e.g. for the track marker, to be operated more gently with less material wear.

Variable tow hitch support for a wide range of implements

The new AXION 900 has a universal tow hitch support which offers a long adjustment bar and a slot for hitches in the drawbar as standard. Up to six different traction devices can therefore be used. In the drawbar versions, holes in the slot allow adjustment of the distance between the rear axle and attachment point, enabling the driver to change the implement attachment point to suit the current job:

Pushed in: enhanced driving comfort, for example during road transport with a higher drawbar load as the drawbar load is shifted towards the rear axle

Pulled out: reduces the turning radius of the tractor/implement combination, e.g. during field work, by shifting the pivot point backwards

The tow hitch support on the new AXION 900 conforms to the ISO 500 standard, allowing straightforward use of hitches from different manufacturers which are compatible with the same standard. Alternatively, a pick-up hitch is also available.

New lighting package and useful practical details

All new AXION 900 tractors are optionally available with different LED lighting packages. The packages include up to 20 LED work lights and LED road lights, including daytime road lights. In addition, all models can be fitted with the removable tool drawer with telescopic runners which has proved so popular in the AXION 800 series. The drawer is big enough to hold a conventional standard toolbox, allowing the on-board tool kit to be changed to suit different types of work. Another useful detail for practical day-to-day use is the easily accessible, external battery terminals on all models. This means that every tractor can be used as a power source with very little effort, e.g. for in-field refuelling. Wide-angle mirrors with two separately adjustable fields of view and a compressed air connection by the left-hand cab access steps are also available for the new AXION 900 as standard.

The new AXION 900 tractors will be available to purchase at the end of 2017.